I am the first deputy director for The Well Project and would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself. I identify as a Mexican mujer, immigrant, and a Southern California girl through and through. I am the mother of a 3-year old ray of sunshine, a loving and loved spouse, a sister, and an eldest daughter. I am also a lifelong survivor of HIV.
I acquired HIV in Mexico City, Mexico, through breastfeeding and have known my status since the age of 5, when I was diagnosed. My mom acquired HIV through blood transfusion before they tested the blood donation supply; we lived with HIV without knowing until my dad got ill and was the first in our family to be tested. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed when he was essentially on his deathbed, so he did not have a fighting chance. Shortly after my dad’s death, my mom immigrated to Los Angeles, California, with my 2-month old sister and me in tow, since we had family here and she knew we could receive better access to HIV care in the United States.
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